Monthly Archives: October 2010

Apple found a winner when the company developed and released the iPhone. Even in Japan, the iPhone 4 has started dominating the smart phone market. This has happened despite the fact that the ordinary phone in Japan can buy train tickets and feed pets. They will have the iPhone but they also carry other phones to cover all their needs in their portable technological world. The iPhone’s design and ease of use has helped it grow into a player in the international smart phone market. Unfortunately Apple does not sell the iPhone 4 unlocked in most countries. This can be a problem.

The iPhone is generally locked into one carrier. Apple uses the Softbank Corporation in Japan and in the United States AT&T. The cost of the iPhone itself and contracts with the carriers increases the price, making many people unable to afford the iPhones. When the Apple iPhone first entered the Japanese market it was not popular. Softbank came down on the contract price and saw the iPhone quickly dominate the smart phone market. Some have asked if Softbank will have the iPhone 4 unlocked. Softbank replied that they had to cut their margins and need the protection of a locked SIM card. So, in Japan it will not be happening anytime soon. Another reason people want the iPhone unlocked is that non-approved carriers have features that are either free or the iPhone approved carriers do not carry. Apple will not honor unlocked iPhone warranties.

Maybe someday Apple will have the iPhone 4 unlocked. Until then people have found ways around the challenge by using specialized software or physically altering the hardware. For people who want to choose their carrier, having the iPhone unlocked could provide many benefits. Maybe Apple will discover they can really increase their market if they free their unlocked iPhone4.

Android handsets are increasing in popularity through all of the leading unlocked cell phone service providers. To keep up with this growing popularity, Verizon has introduced a new express service for Android phones and plans. Announced on October 18th, Verizon has developed tools that will allow contract holders to access a plethora of account-related information in as little as one-click from their handset. Information that can be accessed will include call logs, management of accounts, and billing history. Also included in this Express Services tool is the ability to activate phones and add lines of service whenever and where ever they want.

The Express Services tool by Verizon is easy to use for all Verizon customers. Recognizing that today's society requires features that will let the population manage their account on the go and at home, Verizon has developed this new program and makes it available as an OTA update. With this new feature, it is said that account holders can effectively manage their accounts on a consistent and convenient platform, eliminating the need to call customer care and wait on hold for minutes they cannot afford to waste.

The initial update is available to several Android Smartphone’s. These phones include DROID by Motorola, DROID 2, Unlocked DROID X, R2-D2, DEVOUR, DROID ERIS, DROID Incredible, LG Ally, and the Samsung Fascinate. All Verizon customers with these handsets will receive a message offering the free update for installation. Those who are not setup on My Verizon will have the option to download the application directly from Android Market on Verizon.com.

While Express Services is only available for the models listed above, Verizon has announced they will be implementing a similar program for other Smartphone in the near future. This new development proves that Verizon is keeping up with the need for convenience tools and they are enabling customers to obtain important data in as little as one-click.

Netflix and Nintendo Wii™ users have just been treated to some good news from the companies. Starting immediately, subscribers in both the US and Canada will be able to stream content directly from their Wii consoles, provided that Netflix has been installed onto their Wii menus. This puts an end to the system of having to use a Netflix disc for instant streaming from the console.

Members who have the minimum $8.99 subscription ($7.99 in Canada) will be allowed to have TV shows and movies streamed directly to their TVs provided they have broadband Internet connection and a Wii console. All that is required is for users to download Netflix from the Wii Shop Channel, which remains on the Wii menu at no extra cost and makes it convenient for rapid access.

Reggie Fils-Aime, the Nintendo of America President, has enthusiastically welcomed the development as it comes during a time of the year where family entertainment is so highly sought after. This natural desire for family entertainment, coupled with the increased convenience and speed of the streaming will continue to further bring families to together in even more ways than before, he says. With the increase of users and subscribers of both the Wii and Netflix respectively, he believes the system could not have a come at a more appropriate time.

His views are shared in particular by Netflix CEO and the co-founder Reed Hastings, who believes which due to the increase of popularity of streaming through the Wii. The improved convenience of streaming directly from the Wii menu is a welcome evolution in their efforts to constantly improve their overall service to customers.

The addition of the Wii Shop Channel also allows for extra games, shows, and information to be accessed just as easily, while the parental control feature will continue to allow parents to modify material accessed by their children.

The Unlocked Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro is one of the thinnest slider cellphones on today's market. However, although it may be a small device, it offers some fantastic features and benefits. It offers state-of-the-art camera software and excellent social networking features that are convenient and user-friendly. This model is quickly gaining popularity on the cellphone market due to its feature rich platform and excellent reviews it has received from professionals and consumers alike. It offers a slide-out keyboard which is appealing to almost all cellphone users, and it provides touch screen technology that out-performs the competition. Most manufacturers are turning out variations of the Smartphone, however, the Pro is head and shoulders above the rest.

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro boasts superb pixel resolution to watch videos, surf the internet, or view high resolution photos. The Pro uses the Qwerty keyboard and features a resistive touch screen. These features will make it easier than ever before to text message, email, or talk. There are attractive landscaping options available with this model, as well.

One of the most popular features of this phone is its digital camera. This feature makes video calls to other phones possible, and in addition to this it features another mega pixel camera option for standard use. It is the first phone with recording video technology, and it also offers features such as face detection, scene mode function, and interface with shoot. The camera component of the phone is extremely user friendly, so it is a good choice for those who are not familiar with high tech cellphone models and their functions.

With the increasing popularity of social networking, users of the Vivaz Pro Unlocked can keep in touch with those in their social circle easier than ever before. The phone includes easy to use applications for Twitter, Facebook and other popular social networks. Those who wish to acquire a stae-of-the-art slider cellphone offering wifi, GPS, media player, as well as the aforementioned social networking features, they need look no further than the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro.

In July, a project manager for the Android revealed that Google was planning on launching a music store during the release of the Android 3.0. Since then, more details have come about regarding this new unlocked cell phone. Basically, it has undergone significant UI retooling, which helps improve the phone’s appearance. The interface is also more user-friendly, as there will be new notification bars, icons and scrolling effects. When all these changes are put together, users will have an easier time navigating through their cell phone. Such improvement will be a godsend, especially considering the amount of Google apps that will be provided with the phone. With easier navigation, these programs become more accessible--even for novice Android users.

Video chat and VOIP calling are two additional features that will be available with the Android 3.0 cell phone. The video chat will be incorporated into the phone’s operating system. It may also be integrated with FaceTime, though previous failures with video chat makes this an uncertainty (as Google may not want to take the risk). The company does not feel this way about VOIP. In fact, they plan on integrating the technology into their Google Voice service. If this can be successfully implemented, Android users could make cell phone calls at a significantly reduced cost. Depending on the carrier, some calls might even be free. The same would also be true for Android tablets. With VOIP technology, they could make phone calls without having to rely on cellular connections. Again, for users this means less money has to be paid out.

In conclusion, the Android 3.0 looks quite promising. The improved graphics as well as the video chat and VOIP integration puts the phone a step ahead of its competition. Fans might have even more to look forward to as the phone nears its release date.

In July, a project manager for the Android revealed that Google was planning on launching a music store during the release of the Android 3.0. Since then, more details have come about regarding this new cell phone. Basically, it has undergone significant UI retooling, which helps improve the phone’s appearance. The interface is also more user-friendly, as there will be new notification bars, icons and scrolling effects. When all these changes are put together, users will have an easier time navigating through their cell phone. Such improvement will be a godsend, especially considering the amount of Google apps that will be provided with the phone. With easier navigation, these programs become more accessible--even for novice Android users.
Video chat and VOIP calling are two additional features that will be available with the Android 3.0 cell phone. The video chat will be incorporated into the phone’s operating system. It may also be integrated with FaceTime, though previous failures with video chat makes this an uncertainty (as Google may not want to take the risk). The company does not feel this way about VOIP. In fact, they plan on integrating the technology into their Google Voice service. If this can be successfully implemented, Android users could make cell phone calls at a significantly reduced cost. Depending on the carrier, some calls might even be free. The same would also be true for Android tablets. With VOIP technology, they could make phone calls without having to rely on cellular connections. Again, for users this means less money has to be paid out.
In conclusion, the Android 3.0 looks quite promising. The improved graphics as well as the video chat and VOIP integration puts the phone a step ahead of its competition. Fans might have even more to look forward to as the phone nears its release date.

With trends in modern technology emphasizing portability and personal convenience, many cellular devices are now being created to serve all imaginable needs, for every imaginable facet of life. Amidst this new wave of Smartphone’s, one of the most widely anticipated and critically acclaimed model is known as the Samsung captivate, released by AT&T. It was created with the competitive market in mind, and now stands as one of the most technologically advanced Smartphone’s available to the general public, proving to even be a match for the Unlocked iPhone4.

At its most basic, the Samsung Captivate features a 1GHz processor, allowing for a great deal of versatility in downloadable applications and internet content. It feature easy-to-access master volume and power buttons, in the same traditional locations as would be found on any contemporary Smartphone, with the vast majority of the phone’s others functions carried out by the four inch touch screen. The screen features brand new Touchwiz 3.0 technology, which essentially allows the containment of a miniature computer in the palm of your hands. Users can drag and drop application and folders, with the new technology allowing the user to arrange numerous home screens at the same time, with up to seven available for one’s completely personalized use. The phone does not come immediately cluttered with Apps and the phone’s owner can customize each homepage with a wide variety of widgets and Apps at any time, with widgets built into the notification bar, something that would have originally required for users to download other software to do. Amongst the numerous widgets that have been included are a calendar clock, a yahoo financial clock, and many more, such as quick links to your FaceBook or MySpace account and just about any other social networking website that one may take part in.

Of the pre-installed Apps, the Samsung captivate unlocked Handset includes Allshare, several AT&T related applications, instant messaging services, and mobile banking services. As with most Smartphone’s, the amount of apps pre-included may seem overwhelming to new users of the phone, but is fairly easy to get used to and leaves the user with 1.7 gigabytes of free space still left over on their phone. With all the applications and computer-like capabilities available in the phone, one must remember that it still is essentially a phone. The phone call quality is very clear, with only the slightest of variations based on location. For those subscribing to the AT&T network, the Samsung Captivate is sure to be an excellent buy, providing state-of-the-art quality in its every use.

The Blackberry Torch 9800 is the newest update to a wide variety of Blackberry phones available today. There was a lot of hype about this phone before it’s August 2010 release, but much of it lived up to the claims. AT&T is the sole provider of all Blackberry phones, but unlocked Blackberry Torch 9800 phones allow you to use it with other carrier services.

The Blackberry Torch is meant to marry the two best features of other Blackberry phones – a touch screen and a keypad. The Blackberry Touch was extremely popular, but some users missed the keyboard option. Other users had the Blackberry Crush, but there is no denying that a touch screen phone is inherently cool.

The Blackberry Torch does have a touch screen. It also features the same navigation buttons as other Blackberries, so users will have no problem adapting. The keyboard is a slider that opens when you need it. This means it is safely tucked away when not in use, and you won’t be accidentally hitting keys if the phone is in your pocket.

The phone features the same sturdy construction that made up earlier Blackberries. In fact, the slider option has added a few millimeters thickness, which gives the Torch an even sturdier feel. The slider is also sturdy construction, and has won over slider skeptics.

The Torch has many of the same features as other Blackberries and smart phones – GPS, web surfing, Bluetooth. There is also a 5 megapixel camera, although some reviewers were disappointed that the camera does not also take video.

Comparisons of the Blackberry Torch to the iPhone 4 Unlocked handset have also been extremely positive. The Blackberry holds up against the competition, so if you are torn between the two smart phones, you may have to make the decision simply on whether you prefer the keyboard or not.

As mentioned before, the Blackberry Torch is only available through AT&T. The Torch can be unlocked, though, and used with any other carrier. AT&T and Blackberry equip the phones with a SIM card, so switching to a new carrier requires a new SIM card. These cards should come with a new “unlock” code, which you will be prompted to enter when you replace the SIM card.

If you don’t change the SIM card, you can request an unlock code from your current carrier, and provide them with the Torch’s IMEI number. You can find this code Device menu, under “Device and Status Information.”

On the 11th October technology journalists from around the world will be gathering in New York for the 'Windows Phone 7 Worldwide Launch Event'. Amongst the excitement around the launch there are growing rumours that T-Mobile will be the first operator to partner with Microsoft for the operating system.

Windows Phone 7 is expected to be unlike any previous cell phone operating systems developed by Microsoft with a 'Metro style' interface that places emphasis on simplicity. As with almost any phones these days Windows Phone 7 with have deep integrated social networking capabilities as well as Zune and X-box live components which will help make it the all-in-one device for Microsoft fans.

Early reviews and videos of the software show a quirky interface full of colour and simplicity. Anyone who's ever used a Zone HD will find the interface somewhat familiar. There are virtually no menus or icons, just large flat squares which a uses presses to navigate. It appears very simple and easy, but what it offers for the type of user who isn't afraid of complexity is yet to be seen and there is some question over just how questionable the operating system will be.

One of the major drawbacks with Windows Phone 7 is that it is likely there will be no support for multitasking or copy and paste functionality. However it is possible that Microsoft simply left these out for the time being to bring forward the release date and as with the iPhone4 unlocked handset, increased functionality will come with free future updates. Also you can use Bluetooth headset with the phone and other accessories which are essential.

What's known for certain is that Windows Phone 7 is likely to be a very powerful operating system and all technology fans will have their eyes open on Monday to see just what exactly Microsoft has for us.

One of the last frontiers for cell phone coverage - the New York subway, is set to be reached within the coming years thanks to a deal involving AT&T and T-Mobile each signing ten year contracts with Transit Wireless allowing their customers access Transit's subway network

The infrastructure is still a number of years from completion, but after years of delays and negotiations the signing and length of the contracts is a solid indicator that subway users will soon be able to utilise their cell phones while waiting for their trains.

Crucially however, the signal will only be accessible at the subway stations themselves, there will be no reception on-board the trains once in transit. However, even given this the news is a welcome development for commuters for whom the ability to send a text, or make an email would be very useful in the event of a delayed or missed train on the way to work.

The planned infrastructure has traditionally been compared with that of London's in the UK, which is on course to have a fully installed below ground mobile network installed before the launch of the 2012 Olympics. Importantly however, the London network will include coverage for subway trains in transit which shows New York it is possible, even if the London scheme is expected to cost hundred of millions of pounds for the installation.

Although to some this introduction of below ground network coverage may seem high tech, for large European and Asian cities it is as natural as running water and if New York is to remain a world class city it's quite evident that technological investments such as this are a necessity.

Whilst the introduction of such a scheme would no doubt be a serious technological advancement for New York, there are concerns amongst many New Yorkers of the annoyance the ability to hold phone conversations on the subway may cause to other commuters.

Verizon have today announced the upcoming release of their 'Fivespot' wireless modem. The Fivespot aims to provide wireless internet access for up to 5 separate devices, be they notebooks, laptops or gaming devices to name a few possibilities, in countries around the world.

The Fivespot comes with a built in Sim card and would obviously be very handy for the family on the go or a team of professionals away from the office or home. The fact that the Fivespot works in countries outside America is obviously also a plus however it would no doubt be potentially quite expensive, especially if gaming consoles are connected to it.

Traditionally people on the go have had to make use of small dongles or using phones as an internet modem. For a single device these are usually adequate however with more and more devices now having internet functionality the Fivespot could prove to be quite handy as well as potentially cost effective, especially when 3G internet access in a foreign country can be so expensive outside an arranged plan.

The pricing details for the Fivespot have also been announced so expect to be paying $60/month for 5 GB and the Fivespot itself will retail at around $100. Although this sounds more than reasonable the prices jump quite significantly for data usage outside the American continent. For instance in Europe 100MB data usage would cost somewhere in the region of $120. Clearly then for anyone but the highest paid professionals this seems undeniably expensive.

For those who are price concious yet seek to utilise wireless internet outside the American continent, it would be far cheaper to buy local pre-paid SIM cards for your cell phone even if it was a bit of extra hassle.